Britain's Contradictory Brexit Myths

[BooScout]

https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2019/08/imperial-myths-behind-brexit/595813/

The country alternately believes it has been a towering empire and a plucky underdog, narratives that distract from real issues in its decision-making process.

For more than three years, the world has watched Britain attempt to act on the result of its 2016 referendum and leave the European Union. Yet while the causes of the Brexit vote were complex, the causes of the catastrophic handling of the Brexit process might be familiar to anyone versed in imperial and postimperial history.

They stem from a belief in British exceptionalism: the idea that Britain is inherently different from, and superior to, other nations and empires.

(More) https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2019/08/imperial-myths-behind-brexit/595813/

[sharedvalues]

1. Fintan O'toole has been good on this too

In addition, note that love for Brexit based on British exceptionalism isn’t totally organic. It was amplified by UK billionaire-controlled rightwing media and by money from Russia into Leave.uk and others.

[zentrum]

2. I think Bannon

...is also a behind scenes adviser on Brexit. As he is for other right wing movements in Europe.

[sharedvalues]

3. More than behind the scenes

Rightwing billionaire Mercer was involved in Brexit

https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/new-evidence-emerges-of-steve-bannon-and-cambridge-analyticas-role-in-brexit

[Wounded Bear]

4. A similar commentary could be written about "American exceptionalism"...

[BooScout]

8. Indeed.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

5. Exceptionalism, right-wing dogma and mass denial.....a very toxic brew.

Many people will suffer.........

Good article. Thanks, BooScout.

[yaesu]

6. Has anyone watched the HBO series Years and Years?

about a very scary future for the EU & US.

[luvtheGWN]

7. Yes, I've been watching it.

I think the producers consider it a strong warning. No coincidence in the timing of it.

[Javaman]

9. one would think that their bankruptcy after WW2 would have put the

kibosh on any further ideas of being so special. couple that with the parade of colonies they have lost...but you know, exceptionalism! LOL